Impactful Books as Recommended by Our Teachers

What’s one of the most impactful books that has had an effect on your journey as an educator?

Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

The Education of Little Tree – Ms. Ece’s Recommendation

One book that deeply influenced my journey as an educator is The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. I first read it long before I became an educator, but its lessons stayed with me and shaped my approach to teaching and learning.

The story follows a young boy raised by his Cherokee grandparents, who teach him about nature, respect, and resilience in a world that often tries to strip away identity and independence. What struck me most was how learning in the book wasn’t confined to a classroom: it happened through experience, storytelling, and deep connection with the world. It made me reflect on how education should nurture curiosity, adaptability, and an appreciation for different perspectives.

This book reinforced my belief that education is more than just delivering content: it’s about fostering a mindset that values lifelong learning, respect for different ways of knowing, and the ability to navigate challenges with wisdom and grace. It reminds me to be intentional about creating learning experiences that go beyond textbooks and to ensure that students see knowledge as something that is lived, not just memorized.

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers – Mrs. Janille’s Recommendation

I was profoundly impacted by the book Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky. I have suffered from generalized anxiety disorder since I was a toddler, and this book was recommended to me by my husband (who studied psychology in university) when I was going through a period of particularly challenging mental health issues.

In his book, Sapolsky discusses the science behind anxiety disorders, and how mental illnesses are deeply rooted in the neurological structures of the brain. One of the main stigmas surrounding mental illness is that it is something to be overcome or that it is not as dire as a physical ailment; Sapolsky emphasizes that this is not the case, and that mental illnesses are just as physical and scientific as any physical ones.

Although I never formally studied science in school, I found this book fascinating and easy to understand. Several of the facts have stuck with me for years, and when I experience heightened moments of anxiety now, I am able to use the tools and techniques Sapolsky discusses with a clearer head because I understand the internal mechanisms going on in my brain better. This is a book I recommend to basically everyone, but particularly to high school students who may be facing similar mental health challenges and who might be interested in unpacking the very real science behind them.

Frankenstein – Mr. Mesaros’ Recommendation

My favourite book is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein which in my view is not a horror story in and of itself. The book shows that the real horror of Frankenstein is not the creature but humanity’s ability to reject and destroy what it does not understand. More than a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition, Shelley’s novel explores alienation, cruelty, and the struggle to find meaning in an indifferent world. The creature, abandoned and denied love, seeks acceptance but is met only with fear. His suffering is not inherent but imposed by society’s unwillingness to see past his appearance.

While I first read the novel for grade 12 English, I reread Frankenstein every year because it reminds me that the true monster is not the creature but the people who judge and condemn without understanding. Contemporary cinema often misrepresents the novel, reducing the creature to a horror figure when he is one of the most human characters in literature. His journey reflects our own need to define ourselves in a world that does not grant meaning but forces us to create it. Shelley’s novel compels us to ask: who is the real monster—the being who longs for connection or the society that denies it? Why not treat others with respect and dignity?

Free to Learn – Ms. Doa’s Recommendation

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as an educational leader is Free to Learn by Peter Gray. It resonated deeply with me because it reminded me of my own experiences as a student: how my interest in certain subjects was directly influenced by the way they were taught.

I have always been naturally curious, fascinated by everything from how a piece of plastic is made to the emotions a painter might have felt while creating a particular piece. As they say, children go through a why phase, but mine never seemed to end. In school, I would constantly ask why—why we were learning certain things, why they were taught in a particular way—only to be shut down at times by teachers who either didn’t have an answer or perhaps felt that I was challenging them.

Now, as an educator and a parent, I find immense joy in watching my daughter’s curiosity unfold. At Keystone, one of our core philosophies is ensuring that classroom learning connects to the real world, keeping students engaged and nurturing their natural curiosity. I believe that when students understand why they are learning something and see its relevance in their lives, education becomes meaningful and inspiring. Free to Learn reinforced this belief, reminding me that true learning happens when curiosity is encouraged, not suppressed.

The Geography of Bliss – Miss G’s Recommendation

Reading The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner was a turning point in my journey as a teacher. It was one of the first nonfiction books I read after university, and while I was already a geography teacher by then, this book truly ignited my excitement for teaching and exploring the subject. Weiner’s blend of storytelling and data, examining how different cultures define and measure happiness, revealed the depth and real-world relevance of geography in a way my university courses never quite did.

Beyond shaping my approach to geography, The Geography of Bliss also made me more aware of my own happiness. It reinforced the importance of curiosity and engagement—something I now strive to bring into all of my teaching. While I don’t directly reference this book in my geography classes, its influence is present in the way I teach. I make a conscious effort to highlight the aspects of each subject that I find most interesting, hoping to spark the same curiosity in my students. More importantly, I encourage them to explore topics within our subject areas that connect to their own interests, helping them find joy and meaning in learning—just as this book did for me.

The Alchemist – Mme Rabab’s Recommendation

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as an educator is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. While it’s not a traditional educational text, its themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s “Personal Legend” resonate deeply with the philosophy of teaching and learning.

The story follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, he learns invaluable lessons about listening to his heart, recognizing omens, and understanding that the journey itself is as important as the destination. This narrative profoundly influenced my approach to education. It reminded me that every student is on their own unique journey, and my role as an educator is to help them uncover their passions, trust their instincts, and navigate challenges with resilience.

The book reinforced the idea that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about inspiring students to pursue their dreams and teaching them to see the value in their own stories. It encouraged me to create a classroom environment where curiosity is nurtured, mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, and students feel empowered to take risks and explore their potential.

In essence, The Alchemist taught me that teaching is as much about guiding students to discover their inner treasures as it is about delivering content. It’s a reminder that education is a transformative journey, not just for students but for educators as well.

Process Drama: An Improvisational Approach to Drama in Education – Ms. Da Silva’s Recommendation

When I first encountered Cecily O’ Neill’s Process Drama: An Improvisational Approach to Drama in Education, I was struck by how dramatically it redefined what teaching could be. Firstly, when we hear the word “drama”, many people think of acting, costumes, a stage, etc. However, Process Drama is not that at all. Unlike traditional theatre, which focuses on performance, Process Drama is about the journey—using dramatic play to explore ideas, emotion and real-world connections in any subject area. This book completely challenged and transformed my perspective on education, reinforcing my belief that play is not just a break from learning; it is learning and that learning does not only have to involve textbooks or a lecture, but it can come to life through drama.

What I love most about Process Drama is how it immerses students in role-based scenarios that allow them to step into different perspectives, think critically and engage with content across various subjects. Whether in Geography, Science or even Marketing, I’ve used this method to help my students connect with the material in ways that go beyond traditional teaching. By placing them in situations where they must problem solve, collaborate and reflect, I’ve witnessed how this approach makes learning dynamic, engaging and lasting.

Through this method, I have been able to create an environment where students learn through doing, building empathy, problem solving skills and critical thinking along the way. It’s reshaped how I teach and how my students learn, making education more engaging, meaningful and transformative.

The Price of the Ticket – Mr. Fitch’s Recommendation

The Price of the Ticket is the title of James Baldwin’s collected essays: it’s a big book, and its contents span the 1940s to the 1980s. A lot of it is devoted to Baldwin’s coverage of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and discussions of Black American art and politics. The most famous essays in the whole thing come from The Fire Next Time, Baldwin’s classic description of his life in Harlem and the struggle against racial injustice that it entailed.

For me, though, the crucial essay in the book is “A Talk to Teachers.” It’s a shorter piece, mostly devoted to explaining what Baldwin thinks a good education should include, but what makes it really memorable is its style: Baldwin’s voice, the rhythm of his sentences, and the cadence of his words all work together to create an argument for education as something that liberates and elevates students (or has the potential to, at least). As he puts it at one point in the essay, real schooling helps students realize that the world is “larger, more daring, more beautiful” than they know—“and that it belongs to them.” Baldwin believed that the job of good teachers was to help their students “find a way to use the tremendous energy and tremendous potential” that they possess. His essays, and the beautiful language with which he wrote them, are a reminder of what education needs to be.

Thinking in Systems – Ms. Shiderman’s Recommendation

Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows, a required read for my undergraduate program in Environmental Studies, had a far deeper impact on me than I anticipated. The book introduced the concept of systems thinking, which emphasizes understanding how individual actions and perspectives are interconnected. It reminded me that we each approach life through our own unique lens, shaped by personal experiences, and that no single perspective can encompass the whole picture.

This realization transformed the way I approach education. By embracing systems thinking, I’ve become more attuned to the diverse viewpoints of students and colleagues. It’s helped me foster a classroom environment where curiosity and openness are paramount, allowing me to better connect with others and understand their needs. Adopting this mindset has expanded the limits of my own thinking, enriching my practice as an educator and enhancing my ability to guide others in their learning journeys.

The Midnight Library – Miss Amanda’s Recommendation

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig has greatly influenced my teaching approach. The story follows Nora Seed, who explores different versions of her life through books in a magical library. This book reminded me that small actions can have big impacts on our students’ lives.
As a teacher, it made me think about how I interact with my students every day. The character of Mrs. Elm, Nora’s former school librarian, stands out as a shining example of how teachers can positively influence their students’ futures. It showed me that even a brief conversation or a word of encouragement could make a real difference.

This book resonated deeply with me because it brought back memories of several high school and grade school teachers who became great role models in my life. These educators created an environment where I felt comfortable approaching them with any troubles or concerns. Their supportive and open nature left a lasting impression on me, and I strive to emulate that same energy for my own students.